Six uses of classification in online retrieval systems are envisioned--to improve recall and precision; to conceptualize meaning of vague search terms; to provide structure for browsing; to provide framework for retrieval of nonbibliographic information; to collocate citations; and to achieve compatibility of retrieval languages. Seven sources are…

After an historical and theoretical introduction, options for exploring an alternative LC class number for bibliographies, and problems that may arise are explored. LC now provides a general works number for most bibliographies it catalogs. The alternative number suggests a more representative classification which may increase retrieval.…

The problem of the direct and inverted forms of adjective-noun subject headings which contain national adjectives is reexamined. A pattern based on subject categories is discovered which is different from the pattern based on work-frequency discussed in Harris' Subject Analysis. (11 references) (Author)

Designed for use with a computer-produced subject index, PRECIS assigns clerical procedures in subject heading work to computer programs. The subject headings represent a unique combination of several different characteristics, permitting several coextensive forms of a subject name for each work. Final choice amongst alternatives is made by the…

Review of the 1987 subject access literature covers: (1) general works; (2) organization, history, theory, and method of classification; (3) classification systems; (4) subject headings and the Library of Congress; (5) subject authority control through the Library of Congress Subject Headings; (6) subject searching in online catalogs; and (7)…

The problems of indexing, filing, and retrieving nonbook items become more difficult as the proliferation continues. This article presents a set of guidelines intended to provide cataloging consistency for nonbook materials. (Author)

Keyword searches in title statement and subject headings retrieved more relevant references than search by LC or Dewey class numbers or by scanning the Dewey class numbers for area codes. An analysis of false drops was made to determine how the search strategy could be improved. (Author/NH)

Offers illustrations of anomalies and prejudices found in common information retrieval tools: "LC Subject Headings" (9th edition), "Dewey Decimal Classification" (19th edition), "Universal Decimal Classification" (3rd abridged edition). Index terms in areas of sexual bias, social strata, politics, knowledge, customs,…

A simplified scheme for cataloging and classifying state and municipal documents is now in use at the State University of New York at Albany, employing double Cutter numbers to designate documents by state and agency. A consistent scheme for subject and state Cuttering makes possible both subject and agency approaches. (2 references) (Author/DH)

Review of the 1991 literature on subject access in online systems discusses users and subject searching; subject access in online catalogs, including improvement of the database, search processing, the user interface, and user understanding; subject cataloging and indexing; information retrieval; thesaurus and indexing approaches; classification;…

Describes the Dewey Online Retrieval System (DORS), which was developed at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), to experiment with classification-based search strategies in online catalogs. Classification structures in automated information retrieval are discussed; and specifications for a classification retrieval interface are…

This paper describes an experiment in the use of Dewey Decimal Classification in online catalogs to introduce classed approach to subject searching of library collections, enhance subject terminology indexed in online catalog, and provide possibilities for search strategies not possible through alphabetical approach of subject headings and/or…